ISP investigating 15-vehicle crash on I-57

CENTRAL ILLINOIS - The Illinois State Police says traffic on a portion of Interstate 57 was backed up due to a crash involving 15 vehicles Sunday afternoon.

ISP officials say the crash happened at mile post 172 on I-57 Southbound at about 12:06 p.m. According to the preliminary investigation, a 2012 Nissan Altima was stopped in the roadway, resulting in 14 other vehicles being involved in a crash in an effort to avoid the Altima.

Authorities say seven people were taken to the hospital following the crash, and that charges are pending at this time. We will provide more information as it becomes available.